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A university is a center for brainstorming, exploration and processing of knowledge. Data from around the world have confirmed that quality university education plays a major role in laying the foundation for the development of economic and strategic might of countries. 

Of late, Nepal's higher education and universities have emerged as a topic for a discourse, thanks to a declining state of these institutions and a subsequent surge in the number of students heading abroad for higher education.

University education started in Nepal in 1959 with the establishment of the Tribhuvan University (TU). Sixty-five years later, we continue to lag behind in almost all sectors because of our inability to utilize our universities in the interest of the country, an inability which has a role in rendering the state dysfunctional. This article mainly seeks to explore the reasons behind a sorry state of affairs in our universities by looking into the advent of university education in brief.  

The legacy

Modern university education dates back to the 11th century. At the end of the 11th century, the University of Bologna ‘Studium’ took shape in Italy, followed by the University of Paris in France (1150) and a number of universities across European countries. These centers of higher learning began focusing on scientific research, heralding a new dawn in the development of science and technology and strengthening as well as expanding the state. Through the technological prowess that flowed through these universities that propagated university education globally, Europe established its empires around the world over the centuries. 

Western varsity in Asia 

The Western model university came into being in Asia with the establishment of the University of Calcutta in 1857 under British rule. In its early days, the varsity showed a lot of promise, producing world-renowned scientists and economists such as CV Raman, Chandrasekhar, Ramakrishnan, Hargobind Khorana and Amartya Sen. But the varsity failed to pave the way for diversified research, a predicament no different from that of the TU.

However, Japan, another country in Asia, started its educational cooperation with Europe in 1877 with the establishment of the Tokyo University. Japan has not only become an economic superpower in a short period of time on the strength of new science and technological development, but is also competing with the West in the field of creative intelligence and producing dozens of Nobel Prize winners. 

This university has established itself as an institute capable of solving problems of a fast-changing world. Interestingly, Nepal was under the rule of Jung Bahadur at the time of establishment of universities in Calcutta and Tokyo. The Rana ruler had a cordial relationship with the British Empire, but did not bother to use this leverage for introducing university education in Nepal. Thanks to this myopia, university education got delayed in Nepal by about a century. 

A decisive push for reforms

A review of world history shows a number of countries shifting focus on university reforms after overcoming internal/external conflict and achieving a level of national prosperity. 

In the case of Nepal, even decades after the establishment of its first university and several other universities, no meaningful effort has been made to transform them into centers of knowledge and innovation. Political interference, measly investments from the state, weak standards for faculty selection and incentives are mainly to blame for this. 

Unchecked political interference has been taking a toll on university education for decades and institutionalizing mismanagement. Here, professors accused of serious academic charges like intellectual theft get appointed as vice-chancellors, thanks to their political clout and a chauvinist professor gets beaten by chauvinist students on the university premises! It’s obvious that those who landed leadership roles through political connections do not count. Our universities need to undergo reforms for which they need a non-political academic leadership with a credible ground action plan. The state should immediately take concrete steps toward this end by keeping politics away from universities.

Hetauda, a once-sleepy town in Nepal, has recently seen a significant transformation. Its recent elevation to the status of a provincial capital has brought rapid population growth and development to this region. While this transformation is promising, it has also presented a pressing need for smart mobility solutions. The city’s streets, especially the main roads, are struggling to accommodate the growing number of cars, bikes, auto rickshaws, and electric rickshaws. Furthermore, the rising number of private vehicles, especially cars, has intensified issues related to congestion and parking. To ensure Hetauda remains livable for all its residents and visitors, it is essential to address these mobility challenges. In this article, we will explore the significance of smart mobility for Hetauda, highlighting why it is necessary and how it can be adapted to suit the city’s unique needs.

Balancing accessibility for all classes

Hetauda’s recent transformation into a provincial capital brings with it the potential for significant disparities in terms of mobility. It is crucial that the city’s development doesn’t result in a divide between those who own private vehicles and those who do not. Smart mobility solutions can play a pivotal role in ensuring that the city remains accessible and convenient for all social classes. This is not only an issue of convenience but also one of social equity. A city that prioritizes smart mobility ensures that people with cars can move safely while those without private transport can move comfortably and safely as well.

Addressing the parking challenge

One of the immediate problems Hetauda faces with the rising number of vehicles is the issue of parking. The city’s streets, many of which are already quite narrow, struggle to accommodate both moving traffic and parked vehicles. Expanding road infrastructure might not always be a feasible solution due to space constraints and the need to preserve the city’s character. Therefore, implementing smart parking solutions is essential. This includes the development of efficient parking structures, the introduction of time-based parking zones and so on.

Promoting sustainable transportation modes

To alleviate congestion and reduce the environmental impact of the growing number of vehicles, Hetauda can learn valuable lessons from Terai small towns that have successfully integrated sustainable transportation modes. Encouraging cycling as a mode of daily commute is not only eco-friendly but also promotes healthier living. Designing dedicated bike lanes, providing affordable bike-sharing programs, and ensuring bicycle safety measures can make cycling an attractive option for the city’s residents. Public transportation should also be revamped, focusing on making it accessible, reliable, and environmentally friendly. 

Encouraging the use of electric rickshaws

Electric rickshaws have gained popularity in Hetauda due to their energy efficiency and affordability. However, their numbers have grown significantly, contributing to the city’s traffic challenges. To manage this growth effectively, the city can introduce regulations to ensure a sustainable number of electric rickshaws on the road. 

Implementing traffic management solutions

Smart mobility is not just about introducing new modes of transportation; it also involves implementing intelligent traffic management solutions. Utilizing technology to optimize traffic flow, synchronize traffic signals, and provide real-time traffic information to commuters can significantly reduce congestion. Furthermore, intelligent transportation systems can help reduce accidents, making the streets safer for all.

Promoting walkability and urban planning

As Hetauda grows, urban planning becomes increasingly critical. Smart mobility strategies should integrate urban planning that prioritizes walkability. Pedestrians should be provided with safe and well-maintained sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian zones. Enhancing the city’s aesthetics and creating pleasant public spaces can also contribute to a more vibrant and livable Hetauda.

Investing in education and awareness

The successful implementation of smart mobility solutions in Hetauda also relies on educating the public about the benefits of these changes. Raising awareness about the environmental and social advantages of sustainable transportation modes, as well as the efficient use of personal vehicles, can encourage residents to make more responsible mobility choices.

Collaboration and funding

The transition to smart mobility requires collaboration between government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and the community. Public-private partnerships can help in funding and implementing these solutions effectively. Access to grants and subsidies for adopting electric vehicles, developing cycling infrastructure, and improving public transportation can be instrumental in making smart mobility a reality.

In conclusion, Hetauda’s transformation into a bustling city with rapid population growth and development presents both opportunities and challenges. Smart mobility solutions are not only necessary but also a crucial component of ensuring that the city remains livable for all its residents, irrespective of their transportation choices and socio-economic backgrounds. By addressing the issues of accessibility, parking, sustainable transportation, traffic management, urban planning, education, and collaboration, Hetauda can create a model for smart mobility that other cities in Nepal and beyond can emulate. The journey to smart mobility may not be without its hurdles, but the benefits it promises in terms of sustainability, quality of life, and economic development make it a path worth pursuing.

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party, which has 14 seats in the federal parliament, is planning to organize a series of street protests from February. However, the royalist party, advocating for the restoration of the monarchy and Hindu state, has yet to clarify whether this is going to be their decisive movement for what they call correcting the course of Nepali politics.   

Ever since the country abolished the centuries-old monarchy in 2008 and decided to adopt a federal republic set-up, the RPP has been batting for the return of the king, reinstatement of Hindu state and dissolution of federalism. RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden told a group of editors on Tuesday that the current crop of leaders, who has been in the driving seat of the government for the past three decades, have completely failed.

He said the party’s protest plans for “course correction” means adopting a new system of directly elected prime minister, ceremonial monarchy and scrapping the federal structure. Lingden also proposed granting more power to the local level as well as slashing down the number of elected representatives both at the center and the local level. 

The RPP does not have a strong presence in parliament, nor does it have enough public support to push their cause. The party’s position in national politics has been middling at best; it hasn’t garnered more than 25 parliamentary seats after the restoration of democracy in 1990. 

The party is aware of this reality. Political observers say RPP has announced its protest plans to create a favorable public opinion of the party at a time when the vast majority of the people are frustrated with the major political actors—Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center). 

“Public frustration is boiling up as the country’s economy is in doldrums. Capital flight is increasing, there are no jobs and corruption is entrenched. To resolve all these issues we need to forge a new political agreement,” said Lingden.  

But major political forces are unlikely to make any compromise with the RPP, unless the party manages to mount a massive street protest. While the general public may have deep grievances and anger towards the big parties, political observers say the people will agree with the RPP’s agenda of dismantling the current system brought by the constitution of 2015. 

Lingden does not agree with this narrative. He said that his party is not trying to take the nation backward. “We are championing a democracy with monarchy. We want to limit the role of monarchy to that of a guardian,” he said. “There are several examples of monarchy existing even in advanced democracies.”

Lingden is of the view that the country cannot wait until the next general elections of 2084 BS (2027) to bring changes. “Economic crisis, corruption and bad-governance are bringing the country to its knees, but the major parties and their leaders have not realized this,” he added.

The RPP, however, has not clarified how the party’s “new political agreement” is going to address the problems facing the country. His proposition is that the same set of parties should continue ruling over the country, with a monarch serving as the head of the state instead of president.  

Only royalist supporters are likely to be buoyed by the RPP’s proposition. The moderate mass gathered by businessmen turned political activist, Durga Prasai, in Kathmandu a few months ago has certainly struck a chord among many monarchy sympathizers. And it won’t be far-fetched to say that the RPP is confident that it will succeed in drawing the same—if not more—number of supporters.  

This is not to say that major parties won’t be feeling anxious. They are aware of the public anger and frustration against them. No wonder, both ruling and opposition parties share a similar view whenever forces like the RPP or a one man-driven initiative like that of Prasai challenge the system.

Top leaders of major parties claim that there is an “invisible force” backing the royalist parties to reverse the current political system. Lingden laughs off such a claim. “We are for the political system backed by the people, without any external interference,” he said.  

What Lingden cannot deny is the fact that the royalist supporters are extremely divided into various camps. Over the past three decades, the party has undergone multiple splits. Currently there are two sets of Rastriya Prajatantra Party: Lingden’s RPP and the Kamal Thapa-led Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal (RPPN). The two camps held separate programs to celebrate the birth anniversary of King Prithvi Narayan Shah on 12 January. Even the last monarch, Gyanendra Shah, seems to have his own preference, given his frosty relationship with Thapa and closeness with Lingden.  

Meditation is said to have a myriad of benefits. It’s believed to reduce stress, increase clarity, and promote overall wellness. It’s fairly simple to pick up, though tough to master. But the benefits are almost immediate. Meditating for as little as five to 10 minutes can help you sleep better. Research suggests that over time meditation can be useful for managing several chronic health problems, including mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.

It can be a bit perplexing to figure out how and where to start. The good news is there isn’t a right way to meditate. In this practice of mindfulness, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Meditation is about feeling relaxed, calm, and aware of the present and there are many ways to get there. Former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen swears by what she calls the moving meditation. All you have to do is play soothing music while engaging in light movement. Here are some tips to help you get started. 

Keep it simple

The worst mistake you can make while starting your meditation journey is to make the ritual so complex that it overwhelms you and you give up after a couple of days. This is also the most common mistake. When you are first beginning to develop a practice, keep the approach simple. Sen’s moving meditation could be one way to go about it. But if you’d rather sit down and do it, find a quiet place, put on some nice tunes, and begin by trying to focus on your breath. We often think sitting cross-legged is the ideal way to meditate as that is how it is often depicted. But the best meditation posture is one that is comfortable. So, sit on the chair, your comfiest couch, or stand up. The choice is yours.

Focus on your breath

Everyone knows this but this can often be the most difficult thing to do. Try to focus your attention on each inhale and exhale. Alternatively, you can do a body scan. Focus on each part of the body pausing to notice the sensations. Distractions will come. Your mind will wander. Acknowledge it but don’t dwell on it, and gently bring your attention back to your breathing. The goal isn’t to turn off your brain but to let go of your thoughts as they arise. Learning how to manage distraction is an important part of meditation and you will, with practice, get the hang of it. However, don’t try to control your breath. Keep it natural.

Practice in bursts

You will most likely be unable to sit for a long time without feeling uneasy or impatient. At the beginning of your practice, start by meditating for short bursts of time. You can set the timer for as little as three to five minutes and just stay still and concentrate on your breathing during that time. You can do this multiple times during the day. As you get the hang of it, and you will, you can increase the time to 10 to 15 minutes and then slowly work your way up from there. Early morning is probably one of the best times to meditate. You can finish your practice before others in your house wake up and start making a lot of noise.

Set aside a space to meditate

Though experts say you can meditate anywhere, it can be helpful to have a designated space for meditation. It’s good for habit-building and you are more likely to stick to the practice if you have a designated corner for it. So, create a calming space with some pillows, candles, and incense, and surround yourself with things that bring in a sense of calm. Make sure the place is relatively free of distractions. Though a separate space is not a prerequisite, having one will usher in some discipline and dedication. You don’t have to meditate at home. You can do it in the park or even at the office before you begin work. It just might be a good idea to have a space that feels like a meditation spot but it can be anywhere.

Cut yourself some slack

Your journey to meditation bliss will not be a straight path. Accept that and give yourself a break. Many people dive into the practice with lofty ambitions and when they inevitably fall off the wagon, they give up altogether. The key here is to begin again. If you meditate for a few days and find that you are unable to meditate for a couple of days, don’t give up on it. Start again. The same goes for when you are meditating and get distracted. Begin again. Nothing’s lost. Tell yourself that. Give yourself credit for focusing on your breath even if it’s for a few minutes. Be kind to yourself throughout the process.